The UK's fresh produce industry is on the verge of a labour crisis, according to a leading grower group, which warns that there could be insufficient workers to harvest this year's soft fruit crop.
British Summer Fruits, which represents 92 per cent of British fruit growers supplying UK retailers, has warned that a shortage of seasonal migrant labour could leave crops unpicked. The body, along with the UK National Farmers Union, is calling on the British government to remove restrictions on the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme.
Laurence Olins, chairman of British Summer Fruits, said: 'Without a change to existing rules, British growers may be unable to meet growing consumer demand.'
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